Preparation for a long-lasting scent:
1. Shower first. Apply perfume to clean skin right after you shower. The warmth and open pores help your skin absorb the fragrance better.
2. Moisturize your skin. Dry skin causes scent to evaporate more quickly. An unscented lotion or petroleum jelly provides a base for the fragrance molecules to cling to, helping the scent last longer.
Where to apply perfume:
1. Pulse points are areas where blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin, and the extra heat helps diffuse and amplify the scent.
2. Wrists: One of the most common spots, but remember not to rub them together.
3. Neck and collarbone: The base of your throat and collarbone are excellent spots for projection.
4. Behind the ears: A great spot for a subtle diffusion that others will notice when they get close.
5. Inner elbows: Another pulse point that works well, especially if you wear short-sleeved shirts.
6. Behind the knees: For a more trailing effect (sillage) when you walk.
7. Hair: You can lightly spray a fragrance on your hairbrush and run it through your hair, as hair holds scent well. Avoid spraying directly on your hair to prevent drying it out.
How to apply perfume correctly:
1. Spritz from a distance. Hold the bottle 5 to 7 inches away from your skin to create a fine mist. This provides a more even and subtle application.
2. Spray, don't rub. Rubbing your wrists together after spraying creates friction that heats the skin and breaks down the fragrance molecules. This alters the scent and makes it fade faster.
3. Avoid overdoing it. Start with a few spritzes, as it is easier to add more later than to correct an overwhelming application.
Common mistakes to avoid:
1. Spraying on clothes: The alcohol in perfume can stain delicate fabrics like silk. It's best to apply perfume directly to your skin and allow it to dry before getting dressed.
2. Storing in the bathroom: Humidity and temperature fluctuations can degrade the fragrance over time. Store your perfume in a cool, dark, dry place like a dresser drawer or closet.
3. Applying to sweaty areas: Do not apply perfume to sweaty areas, such as armpits. This can cause irritation and create an unpleasant odour as it mixes with your body heat.
4. Using the "mist and walk" method: This technique wastes a lot of product, as much of the perfume ends up in the air or on the floor. For the best result, spray directly onto your skin.
